Lion of Soweto

Chapter 45

Moyo's face turns dour. He moves over to the window looking far into the distance ruminating over the dangers that lay ahead: dangers that threaten his cherished marriage; dangers that might thwart the kind of future he envisages with his beloved; dangers that'll condemn his efforts at building a good home for his unborn children.

Sheline's Soweto adventure is turning out a huge mistake. This lady he so much adores, one with whom he plans to spend the rest of his life, mustn't be the source of his sorrow.

It crosses his mind to ask her to withdraw from the university, but won't that portray him as being unreliable? Selfish even. He'd assured Audrey that he would support her till the end. And the idea of holding a wedding before she left for Soweto had been with the understanding that she won't disappoint once studies are over. Barely two months into her degree programme danger looms on earth and in the heavens. The skies are painted red.

Should he now relocate to South Africa just to be close to her? Starting out life in another country won't be a bed of roses. Reports on unemployment in that country don't paint a good picture. And stories that foreign nationals get attacked often sadden the mind.

No, he won't leave Bulawayo where he grew up and got married. There's no need to run away on account of his wife's apparent misdemeanors.

What if he gets her pregnant while she studies? Yes, that's a good path to tread. No one will blame him for impregnating his legal wife. Even Audrey will see it as a change of plan and not a betrayal. And, of course, Sheline shouldn't have to worry about attending classes with a protruding belly; she's the one mingling with strangers, receiving expensive gifts her husband can't afford. He must intensify his efforts to get her pregnant these few days that she's around.

But what if that doesn't happen before she leaves? Does that mean another man will impregnate his wife on his behalf? Will someone dare to put Sheline in the family way while he – the husband – is alive and kicking good? The mere thought of it quakes Moyo's head. He must seek opinions from friends on the way out. This woman shouldn't bring him untold agony.

"Aren't you dressing up?" Sheline reminds him, observing his ennui. "Mama will be waiting."

"Oh." He heaves a heavy sigh before stepping into the bathroom to freshen up. Their breakfast meal of oats and tea isn't as sumptuous as it used to be. Sheline attributes it to him being tired. Until they leave the house, Moyo utters no word. Her remarks about changes on the highway billboards only get monosyllabic responses.

The couple arrives in Morningside a few minutes past noon. "The Malvins," Audrey welcomes them revelling in the sight of her daughter's radiant looks.

Sheline's Spaghetti top and jeans pants accentuate her physique. Her dark-complexion glitter just like the bracelet and necklace. All these from an understanding husband who does his best to keep her happy. Her studies are fine and she's settling well in Soweto with an aunt who speaks well of her. What else can a mother ask for?

After the warm exchange of greetings, which Moyo struggles to sustain, Sheline goes around examining the changes in the house, especially those made by the new househelp. While she's at it, Audrey dials Margaret. "Thank you so much. Your daughter looks well and happy."

"You're welcome. Things can only get better."

Moyo watches keenly while the old woman chats with Margaret. His face drops as he takes a deep breath. Why is Margaret's phone always on voicemail when he calls? But when others do so, there seem to be no hindrances. For sure, Margaret doesn't like him.

The househelp brings the visitors snacks and drinks, which Moyo pushes aside after the young lady turns back. Concerns about Sheline's unheralded celebrity looks still bother him. A schoolgirl should return from school with stories about books and schoolwork, not to start dressing up like Zodwa Wabantu. If a wife starts putting on jewellery her husband can't afford, she's announcing her secret lovers.